You are here

Roseville church hosting events on pipeline, mining concerns

New Life Presbyterian Church in Roseville is hosting two special gatherings regarding environmental concerns about proposed pipeline and mining work in northern Minnesota.

The first gathering is on Feb. 18 and is called “Faith, Facts and an Indigenous Perspective.” The event will feature speakers Brent Murcia and Bob Blake, both from Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, discussing plans to replace the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline.

The second gathering is Feb. 25 and is called “God Given Gifts & Our Future.” It will feature Chris Knopf, the executive director of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, speaking about Polymet’s draft permit to mine near the Boundary Waters, as well as Twin Metals mining plans.

At each event, attendees will have an opportunity to write comments to various environmental agencies about the pipeline and mining. In the case of the Enbridge pipeline, comments will be on the company’s final, revised environmental impact statement.

New Life Presbyterian is an Earth Care Congregation, one of the first in Minnesota to earn the designation, meaning the church puts a special focus on environmentalism and appreciating creation.

“This is for the community,” said congregant Carole Rust. “We would like to let the community know what’s going on [with these] projects because this could be a do or die time.”

Both gatherings will be held at the church, located at 965 Larpenteur Ave. Each runs from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., following the 10 a.m. church service. All are welcome and for more information call 651-488-5581.